Progress Over Perfection – Why It Matters More Than You Think
Progress Over Perfection – Why It Matters More Than You Think
Introduction
We’ve all been there—holding off on starting something because we don’t feel "ready." Maybe it’s a creative project, a fitness goal, a business idea, or even just putting yourself out there in a new way. The fear of imperfection can be paralyzing, making us believe that if we can’t do something flawlessly, we shouldn’t do it at all.
But here’s the truth: perfection isn’t the goal—progress is.
As an artist, I’ve had to learn this lesson firsthand. When I first started painting, I was so afraid of making mistakes that I would overthink every brushstroke. But the moment I let go and focused on the process rather than the outcome, everything changed—not just in my art, but in my mindset.
So whether you’re an artist, a writer, an entrepreneur, or someone just trying to grow, let’s talk about why progress over perfection is the key to actually moving forward.
The Problem with Perfectionism
Perfectionism might seem like a good thing—it makes us work hard, pay attention to detail, and strive for excellence. But it also comes with a huge downside:
- It keeps you stuck. You hesitate to start because you’re afraid you won’t get it right.
- It drains your motivation. The pressure to be perfect can turn something fun into something stressful.
- It makes you fear failure. But failure isn’t the opposite of success—it’s part of success.
The most successful people aren’t the ones who never make mistakes. They’re the ones who keep going despite them.
The Power of Small Steps
Think of anyone you admire—whether in art, business, fitness, or any field. None of them got where they are overnight. They built their skills, their confidence, and their success one step at a time.
- The best painters started with bad sketches.
- The best writers wrote terrible first drafts.
- The best athletes had days where they wanted to quit.
The difference? They kept going.
Even now, when I paint, I don’t always love what I create at first. But I remind myself that every brushstroke adds to the bigger picture. And that’s exactly how life works—every small action adds up.
Letting Go of Fear
One of the biggest things perfectionism creates is fear—fear of failing, fear of looking foolish, fear of not being good enough. But here’s the truth: growth requires discomfort.
- You will make mistakes.
- You will have days where you doubt yourself.
- You will create things that aren’t perfect.
And that’s okay. Because the alternative is staying stuck and never even trying.
How to Start Focusing on Progress
If you’ve been letting perfectionism hold you back, here are a few things to try:
- Start before you’re ready. You don’t need all the answers. Just begin.
- Set small goals. Instead of aiming for perfection, aim for progress—one step at a time.
- Embrace mistakes. Every mistake teaches you something valuable.
- Celebrate small wins. Every little bit of progress matters, no matter how small.
Final Thoughts
Perfection isn’t the goal—growth is. And the only way to grow is to keep going, even when things aren’t perfect.
So whatever it is you’ve been waiting to start—start now. Start messy. Start small. Just start. Because every step forward is better than standing still.
If this message resonated with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Feel free to comment below or check out my YouTube video on this topic if you want to hear me talk through it while I paint. And if you want to see more of my art or commission a piece, head over to QueenVashtiStudios.com!